Westford Over 30 Slowpitch

Floral Arts Landscaping eliminated round two opponent Short Cut Landscaping including a 42-7 romp,  perhaps reigniting the run-rule discussion in playoff games.  Burton's Landscaping continues it's Impossible Dream season leading the number one ranked Mustangs squad 2-1 in their series with both teams expecting the return of some big guns for this week's match-ups.

Floral Arts 22 - Short Cut Landscaping 12

On Sunday, Floral Arts was relentless at the plate in their first semi-final game against Shortcut Landscaping, a game Floral won, 22-12. Floral scored in every inning and got terrific defensive support from Chad Kirby (left-center), Jim Peloquin (shortstop), and Dave Janowsky (right field). Floral hit seven home runs in the contest, including two moonshots by Ryan Dunn, a three-run homer by Roger Whittlesey, and multi-run homers by Simon Tripp, Chad Kirby, Rob Beaudette, and Frank Lancelotta. Janowsky had a great night at the plate, going 4-for-4, and pitcher Larry Mardany was 3-for 4.

Floral Arts 42 - Short Cut Landscaping 7

On Tuesday, Floral scored 11 runs in the first inning and then never looked back, defeating SCL, 42-7. Ryan Dunn made several nice plays at third base, as did Ken Delaney at second base and Jim Peloquin at short. Peloquin was 6-for-7 in the game, with two home runs and four batted in. Simon Tripp was 6-for-7 with a home run and four batted in. Roger Whittlesey was 6-for-7 with a home run and six batted in. Rob Beaudette was 5-for-6 with a home run and seven runs batted in. Mike Alonardo was 4-for-6 with a home run and five batted in. Matt Critch was 5-for-6 with three runs batted in, and he played a great defensive game at first base. The win gave Floral Arts a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series. 

Floral Arts 21 - Short Cut Landscaping 20

On Wednesday night, Floral Arts needed its last at-bat in the seventh to beat SCL, 21-20. Floral started out strong, getting home runs from Simon Tripp, Rob Beaudette, Frank Lancelotta, Chad Kirby, Ryan Dunn, and Mike Alonardo. But SCL fought back, scoring eight in the top of the seventh to tie the ball game. But in the seventh, Jim Peloquin opened the inning with a single. He was moved to second on a Simon Tripp intentional walk. And then with one out, Rob Beaudette singled home pinch runner Dave Janowsky to win the game. This trip to the finals, which will be against either Burton's Grill or the Nashoba Valley Veterinarian Mustangs, will be their ninth trip in a row. 

Nashoba Valley Veterinary Mustangs 19 - Burton's Grill 14

The Mustangs brought the series back to even holding off a Burton's effort in the last of the seventh and winning by five. The Mustangs had a nine-run fourth but Burton;s outscored them 8-3 in the final three frames to keep it close till the end. Mustang's Cormac Bordes, 3-for-3, two home runs and six RBI, Mike Kennedy, three hits, three runs scored and two RBI. Mark Cusano and Jay Lincoln each had home runs and Jim Ward robbed a Burton's hitter with a leaping grab over the fence and pulling it back into the park.  Brian Collamore was 3-for-3 with a sacrifice fly in the lead-off spot with three runs scored. Tim Scott had five RBI and two runs scored and a home run. Jerry Breen had a home run along with Murph McKeon and Eric Pasteurs.  Luke Boulanger was 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBI in the Burton's loss.

Burton's Grill 17  - Nashoba Valley Veterinary Mustangs 16

Missing the left side of their infield and three of the season's top five hitters, Burton's squared off, and beat, the number one seed Mustangs giving Burton's a 2-1 lead in the best of five series. Greg Fitzgerald, playing his second game at short, led the way with several stellar plays including the game-winning stop and tag at second to end the Mustangs final drive. The Mustang's, in the midst of a comeback, and possible walk-off finish, were within one run with two men on and a big hitter at the plate.  Fitzgerald dove on a ball up the middle, scrambled to reach second before the runner, and cemented the Burton's win.   Brian Collamore contributed with several good plays at second base and Brian Haley had a key out on a ground ball to third.  Jerod Colley pitched another gem and made several put-outs to help his cause.  Raghu Mantena took a pinpoint throw from Jon Russo in right to nail a runner at the plate in what would be the difference in the final outcome.  The offensive contributions were across the board, Dave Batchelder, (two, two-run home runs and four RBI), Jerry Breen, (3-for-4, home run, three runs scored and three RBI), Murph McKeon, (4-for-4, three runs scored and three RBI), Jon Russo, (4-for-4, home run, three runs scored and two RBI), Jerod Colley, (2-for-4, homerun, two RBI), Jeff Cott, (3-for-4 and a run scored).   Mustangs offensive standouts included Don Cusano two home runs, five RBI, Mike Kennedy three hits, home run, two RBI, Cormac Bordes three hits, home run, three RBI, Jim Ward and Mark Cusano three hits apiece, also home runs by Paul Selfrige and Keith Reynolds. Good infield defense by Reynolds and Dan Crogan kept the Mustangs in the game all night.